As we travel the world, we are always in search of special places where LGBTQ+ travelers will feel safe and at home. We look high and low for enriching experiences that our community will appreciate, and no small detail is overlooked as we curate our list.
We invite you to peruse our diverse recommendations for 2020 and determine which intrigue you most. How many on the list of perennial favorites have you traveled to already and how many new ones will you explore this year?
Atlanta is the unofficial gay capital of the South. Boasting a diverse mix of cultures, a sizzling-hot dining scene, and of course, that inimitable Southern hospitality, Atlanta continues to dazzle gay travelers. The city’s most well-known gay neighborhood is Midtown, but you can find plenty of LGBTQ+ travelers and locals enjoying brunch, shopping, and socializing in other popular neighborhoods like Decatur, Buckhead, East Atlanta Village, Grant Park and Cabbagetown.
We recommend the following accommodations: Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, Atlanta Marriott Marquis, W Atlanta – Buckhead, and W Atlanta – Midtown.
2. Banff & Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
One of the world’s most breathtaking mountain destinations in the world and the
2019 Gay Travel Award Destination Winner!
Banff and Lake Louise offer incredible experiences that reconnect people to the natural world. Situated in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains in Banff National Park, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible year-round adventure and wellness are cultivated every day of the year by visitors from across the globe. This stunning destination is truly deserving of all its accolades, and we highly recommend visiting soon and often!
Filled with history and known for its charming neighborhoods, Boston makes for a great destination for gay travelers to visit. Founded in 1630, Boston is the shining jewel in Massachusetts’ crown, and a perennial favorite for adventurers seeking exceptional culture, dining, history, and the arts. This city is more than just tolerant of LGBTQ travelers—Boston is the capital of the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, and it’s the birthplace of GLAD.
We recommend: Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf, Hyatt Regency Boston and XV Beacon the 2019 Gay Travel Award Winner for Boutique Hotel
Looking for a multicultural destination brimming with surprises? Cape Town, South Africa has you covered. This capital city is a favorite among gay travelers looking to see more far-off corners of the world. It’s home to friendly people, eclectic cuisine, high-energy music, and world-class restaurants and art galleries. Given its cosmopolitan offerings, it may not surprise you that Cape Town is one of the most gay-friendly destinations on the African continent, with its own weeklong series of Pride events, parties, and festivals.
For a majestic stay, we recommend: The Twelve Apostles
5. Captiva and Sanibel Islands, Florida
Escape to these unhurried islands for beautiful beach scenery and an authentic, neighborly vibe. Lying just north of Sanibel Island in the Gulf of Mexico, Captiva Island is one of Florida’s most celebrated paradises. Gay travelers come to savor breathtaking white-sand beaches, swim in the beautiful water, take in epic sunsets and enjoy the outdoors with many choices of water sports.
We recommend: South Seas Island Resort, 2019 Gay Travel Awards winner for the Hotel, Wedding category!
6. Costa Rica
Beautiful beaches and playful waterfalls. Costa Rica is a top destination for gay travelers. A variety of fun activities await you on your vacation, from saltwater fishing to scuba diving, and even golfing. There are many beautiful boutique and Spa Resorts available for your enjoyment with active tours available nearby. Let Costa Rica Deluxe Vacations take care of your travel itinerary, hotel bookings and activity selection!
We recommend the following accommodations: The Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal, Aloft San Jose Hotel, Costa Rica, and Courtyard San Jose Airport Alajuela
7. Italy
Italy offers travelers romance, history, and excitement...and don't forget the gelato! Renowned worldwide for its exquisite cuisine, its chic fashions, luxury sports cars and motorcycles, numerous regional cultures and dialects, and also for its many beautiful alpine lakes and mountains. It is not surprising it is many times nicknamed Il Bel Paese (The Beautiful Country).
Planning a trip to Italy? For more information and help planning your gaycation to Italy, consider consulting Voyemo, an expert gay travel agency. We also highly recommend, 2019 Gay Travel Award nominee Fantastica Italia who offer budget-fitting trips to Italy and Europe that are customized to your specific needs.
Costa Smeralda hotels: Cervo Hotel, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Hotel Pitrizza, and Hotel Romazzino
When everywhere else in Hawaii is just “too hectic” for you, head to Kauai for a tropical vacation from your tropical vacation. While visiting Kauai, you’ll find a variety of different sights to see such as grand waterfalls, narrow sea cliffs, crystal white sand beaches, and dark red clay canyons. Aloha!
Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
London is groovy man, and not just because of the mod ‘70s! London abides even after more than two millennia, maintaining its international importance as a commercial and cultural center. Gay London has also quietly developed a robust and visible LGBT community centered around the busy SoHo District.
Accommodations in London: The Montague on the Gardens, Hotel 41, The Egerton House Hotel, The Chesterfield Mayfair, The Milestone Hotel, and The Rubens at the Palace
There’s a reason so many gay travelers are smitten with Los Cabos. Composed of two separate areas along the Sea of Cortez — super-chic Cabo San Lucas and more traditional, laid-back San José del Cabo — this dazzling beach destination packs a punch. Sun-worshippers spend their days lying around their hotels’ pools, while active types hit the waves to enjoy some water sports. Nights sizzle at the bars near the marina in Los Cabos.
Accommodations: Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort, JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa, Sheraton Grand Los Cabos Hacienda del Mar, Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos and Viceroy Los Cabos.
11. Miami, Florida
Miami, the hot little melting pot by the sea! Truly, there is no place quite as diverse as Miami, especially when it comes to its vivacious LGBT community! Full of fabulous pizzazz, Miami's world-renowned gay scene is brimming with opportunity and ways to have fun. Whether you're savoring a margarita and soak up the sun at the city's gay beach near Ocean Drive or dancing the night away at one of the amazing LGBT nightclubs, when you’re in Miami, the possibilities are endless!
GayTravel's top picks: Eden Roc Miami Beach, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, Marriott Stanton South Beach, and Nautilus by Arlo.
World-class wineries, fantastic weather, and picturesque landscapes epitomize Napa Valley. The perfect destination for a lavish escape from your "everyday vacation." The gay welcoming town of Napa is filled with historic Victorian homes, stunning contemporary architecture, world-famous wineries, exclusive restaurants, and mom-and-pop stores. Come to the area and join Out in the Vineyard for the Gay Travel Award winning Event, Gay Wine Weekend!
Deluxe Accommodations: Meadowood Napa Valley
13. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is one of the most popular gay destinations to visit in Thailand, with a large gay scene in Patong. Head to this Southeast Asian country best known tropical destination, brimming with those jaw-dropping, postcard-perfect beaches and have the time of your life!
We recommend the following accommodations: 2019 Gay Travel Award Winner - Sri panwa, Phuket; Baba Beach Club Phuket, and Banyan Tree Phuket.
14. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a beautiful destination where gay travelers can experience a relaxing vacation soaking up the sun, a hot city nightlife club-hopping, or an adventuresome day exploring all the amazing sites! For a slice of old Caribbean charm mixed with world-class dining and nightlife, San Juan is hard to beat. As Puerto Rico’s capital city, this destination is easy to reach, a breeze to navigate, and a joy to explore.
Gay-friendly hotels in or near San Juan: San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Aloft San Juan, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel and Coqui Del Mar
Mexico's number one gay tourist destination, Puerto Vallarta is an idyllic beachside community offering a little something for everyone. From luxury to adventure, have the time of your life in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. In 2017, Puerto Vallarta became our first Gay Travel Approved® city in Mexico and Zona Romantica was crowned as the 2016 Gay Travel Awards Gayborhood of the Year!
Gay-friendly Accommodations in PV: The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta, Costa Sur Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta and Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
“America’s Finest City” is a veritable playground packed with historic neighborhoods, hidden canyons, and cultural enclaves, and its gay neighborhood, Hillcrest, is one of the most rollicking in the entire country. Head here to grab an IPA at the first gay brewery in the world, or bar hop on University Ave from one gay joint to another. No matter how much fun you’re having in Hillcrest, don’t miss San Diego’s top sights and attractions, including sprawling Balboa Park, the lively Gaslamp District, charming La Jolla, and the beaches and coves in and around Mission Bay.
Accommodations in and around downtown SD: Paradise Point Resort & Spa and Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina and Hotel Republic San Diego
Legendary. Iconic. Trolly cars and gay bars. With one in every six people said to be gay, this colorful metropolis is renowned as one of the loudest ‘n’ proudest destinations in the United States! Gallivant over to the Castro neighborhood, where you will find a cornucopia of affirming bars and restaurants, as well as a celebrated LGBT landmark, the Castro Theatre, which routinely features a variety of gay cinema and sing-a-long musical nights! (Seriously, can it get any gayer?!).
Gay-friendly Accommodations: The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, King George Hotel, The Inn At Union Square and Hotel Griffon
Perhaps known best as Georgia O'Keeffe's lifelong artistic muse, gay Santa Fe has been a bustling cosmopolitan center for more than 400 years. Santa Fe was named the second gayest city in America by The Advocate, which declared, “This is where seasoned gays come to center themselves, but not in a boring way.”
Accommodations in Santa Fe: 2019 Gay Travel Award Winner Inn on the Alameda!
Accommodations near Santa Fe: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa
The USVI is made up of three islands; St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix. All islands are extremely diverse and accepting of many cultures, races, and religions. GT factoid: Gaytravel.com was originally launched from a tiny casita perched high above Magens Bay which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
We recommend the following accommodations in St. Thomas: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas and Bolongo Bay
We recommend on St. Croix: Sandcastle on the Beach
Check out Island Life Charters to experience the Virgin Islands by water!
20. West Hollywood, California
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The gayborhood of West Hollywood is proud to be the hip and happening center of gay and lesbian life in Los Angeles. Visitors are assured of unique & welcoming gay-friendly hotels, hip restaurants and gay bars, exciting special events and the “living forward” atmosphere of a progressive city.
Accommodationsl in WeHo: Andaz West Hollywood, The Orlando and Elan Hotel
